What is a Project Validation Report (PVR)?

As the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, you might hear the term ‘PVR’ mentioned in the media or in stories that talk about exciting infrastructure projects for the Games. 

But what is a PVR? And how does it influence the infrastructure projects happening in a neighbourhood near you? 

Project Validation Reports (PVRs) are business cases the Queensland Government complete for many infrastructure investments aligned to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The purpose of a PVR is to check that new and upgraded sporting venues identified for 2032 stack up in terms of benefits and costs. These reports, commissioned by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure, ensure investments into infrastructure are both fit-for-purpose for hosting Olympic and Paralympic sporting events in 2032, and provide an ongoing community legacy for future generations. 

These reports summarise the analysis undertaken and options explored so governments can make informed investment decisions before any purchasing or venue construction begins. 

Why do I need to know about PVRs? 

Funds the government spends on infrastructure is carefully considered to ensure the best outcomes for that investment and for Queensland. The infrastructure investment associated with the Olympic and Paralympic Games is no different. 

The PVR process shows the Queensland community and Brisbane 2032 Games Delivery Partners that the government’s investment commitments are:  

• fit for purpose and scoped well 
• affordable
• delivering lasting benefits for the growing community  
• delivering sustainable solutions  
• including the private sector and local businesses in relevant opportunities 
• deliverable using a risk-assessed plan that highlights on-time delivery and budget 
• considering stakeholder and community interests.  

As the reports are finalised, summaries of completed PVRs for sport venues will be available for everyone to view at Q2032.au/plans/venues-and-villages

What topics are covered in a PVR? 

Knowing the community will enjoy the venue for years to come is a crucial consideration of a PVR, as is the need to ensure a new or upgraded venue is fit-for-purpose for the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee competition venue standards.  

The PVR considers design best practice, and environmental sustainability standards to achieve the Brisbane 2032 sustainability commitments. The PVR also deep dives into the operating costs, operating model, employment benefits and social impacts. 

Finally, the PVR looks at how the venue is going to be built or upgraded, including the best procurement, delivery and operational model for the project, taking into consideration market trends. 

Is this a new process? 

No. Undertaking an investigation, planning and validation process for infrastructure investment is not a new concept. The government has existing processes, similar to a PVR, for all major infrastructure projects.

For venues proposed to be used for the 2032 Games, a new report format has been created – the PVR – to ensure all new and upgraded venues follow a consistent approach and achieve consistent goals.

For some other Games-related projects receiving Commonwealth funding, analysis may be referred to as a Joint Business Case, such as for the Brisbane Arena. The scope of analysis is based on the fit for purpose needs of a particular project.

What happens after a venue goes through the PVR process? 

Generally, once the PVR is complete, the government investment decision is finalised. If the report confirms the venue is good for the Games, good for the community and good for Queensland, the project can progress to a final design and a tender process ahead of construction starting.